BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — Two barangay chairpersons in Tawi-Tawi voluntarily surrendered their firearms to authorities on June 14, 2026, in separate incidents that police described as a significant boost to the province’s ongoing campaign against loose firearms and efforts to strengthen peace and security in local communities.
The first surrender took place at around 1:30 p.m., when Barangay Chairman Aljin J. Sawadjaan of Barangay Kulape, Panglima Sugala, voluntarily turned over a caliber .38 revolver bearing Serial Number 375937 along with three live rounds of ammunition to personnel of the Bongao Municipal Police Station.
The turnover was facilitated by members of the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Mobile Force Company (TTPMFC) under the leadership of PLTCOL Alexander M. Butuan, Force Commander, at the TTPMFC Headquarters located at Camp Alejandro Suarez in Bongao.
Several hours later, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Barangay Chairwoman Jemma Alunan Assil of Barangay Ballak, Tandubas, also voluntarily surrendered a caliber .38 revolver without a serial number to PCAPT Zharulnizam B. Atara, Regional Police Strategy and Battalion (RPSB) Team Leader of the 2nd Maneuver Platoon, TTPMFC.
The surrender was conducted under the direct supervision of PLTCOL Butuan and in coordination with personnel from the Tandubas Municipal Police Station.
According to police reports, both voluntary surrenders were the result of sustained community engagement programs, dialogue initiatives, and confidence-building measures carried out by the Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly the TTPMFC and RPSB teams operating in the province.
Authorities emphasized that the successful turnover of the firearms reflects the growing trust and cooperation between local government officials and law enforcement agencies in promoting peace, order, and public safety throughout Tawi-Tawi.
Police said the surrender of the weapons contributes to the prevention of firearm-related crimes and violence while supporting the government’s intensified drive against loose firearms.
In Barangay Ballak, officials noted that the surrender also reinforces the community’s commitment to maintaining its status as an area free from the influence of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and Local Terrorist Groups (LTGs). Authorities believe that active participation by community leaders is vital in preserving stability and preventing the proliferation of unregistered firearms.
The PNP further highlighted that the actions of the two barangay officials serve as an example of responsible leadership and demonstrate support for government peace and security initiatives across the island province.
The surrendered firearm from Panglima Sugala, along with the accompanying ammunition, is currently under the custody of the Supply PNCO of the Bongao Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and disposition. Meanwhile, the firearm surrendered in Tandubas has been placed under the custody of the Tandubas Municipal Police Station pending documentation and appropriate legal procedures.
Police authorities continue to encourage individuals in possession of unlicensed or undocumented firearms to voluntarily surrender them, stressing that cooperation from community leaders and residents remains crucial in sustaining peace, security, and public safety throughout Tawi-Tawi.